Transport Changes – England v Samoa, QBE International, 22nd November, 7pm KO

Dear Neighbour,

I am writing to let you know about changes to the way transport will be managed on Saturday 22 November at the England v Samoa QBE International at Twickenham Stadium. As it is an evening kick off the aim of these changes is to get spectators away from Twickenham as quickly as possible to minimise disruption to local residents.

Background

Throughout November the RFU will host the Barbarians vs Australia game and the QBE Internationals which will see England play New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia over a four week period. The Barbarians, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia games kick off in the afternoon (2.30pm) and will operate as normal.The England v Samoa match will have an evening kick-off (7pm) and will be used to trial some new transport options. The changes will assist in planning for next year’s Rugby World Cup 2015 matches and feedback from residents is encouraged. Please see contact details below.

What are we doing for the Samoa game on the 22nd of November 2014?

The changes to traffic management will be divided into three key areas:

  1. New Transport Services for Spectators
  2. Traffic Management
  3. Strategic Signage

New Transport Services for Spectators 22nd November

The RFUwill be trialling some additionaltransport services forspectators. These include:

  • a park and ride shuttle bus service operating from KemptonPark racecourse
  • a shuttle bus service from Twickenham to central London after the match
  • increased number of trains and later running of trains until midnight after the match

Traffic Management

Traffic management will be introduced for both the Park and Ride and central London shuttle buses:

  • KemptonPark and Ride

Before and after the match there will be a park and ride bus service offered betweenKemptonParkand the Stadium. Buses will drop off and pick up from the A316 alongside Rosebine car park or spectators using this service can get the usual trains between Kempton Park and Twickenham station.

  • Shuttle buses to central London

After the match a shuttle bus service of 30 buses will be ready to move people faster and more efficiently away from the area. Buses will be positioned on the A316 between the Curries roundabout and the London Road roundabout.

To allow for both of these services,all other traffic will be directed from two lanes into one on two small stretches of the A316 (see map for details).

For detailed information on both areas of traffic management please see the attached fact sheet.

Strategic Signage

To manage traffic in the area we will be using some new strategic signage that will advise drivers wishing to get to central London to seek alternative routes away from Twickenham Stadium without adversely impacting on Twickenham bound traffic. These signs will be in operation on the main motorway network including the M3 and M4 and the main arterial routes in and out of London including the A316 and A4. It is anticipated that this will reduce the traffic congestion in the area and also help the Organising Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015 determine what additional messaging may be required for matches next year.

How will these changes affect me as a resident?

The intention of these changes is to create a positive impact for residents with spectators being moved away from Twickenham at a faster rate. Crowd management and road accessibility will be as per usual England International match days.

Further Questions

Should you have any questions about any of these arrangements then please email or call 07894 814180.

Thank you and kindest regards

Hannah Barrett

Community and Social Responsibility Manager, RFU